Tag Archives: Survivors

I don’t want to offend anyone with a Twilight comparison, but it reminded me of Twilight Eclipse —

Stuff happened, but it was very much a placeholder until the final installment hits theaters next year.

This Hunger Games has no games, so the energy is inherently lower. Katniss and the rescued survivors are living below ground in District 13, where everyone wears identical grey jumpsuits — no flaming dresses or garishly bright clothing, even on Effie who is almost unrecognizable.

We only see the folks from the Capitol — including Peeta, who we assume is being held prisoner — on small video screens. But those scenes are, for me, some of the most compelling.

By movie’s end, Katniss and the rebels have rediscovered their energy and purpose, and things are getting really exciting…

I’m watching Food Network Star right now, which has been in Las Vegas for the past couple of weeks.

But it certainly doesn’t look like Vegas.

Every time Bobby, Alton or Giada — the show’s three hallowed hosts — stand before this season’s contestants to set up a challenge, it looks like they are shooting the episode in an empty room. Or vacant parking lot.

Food Network goes to such great lengths to clear out the ‘normal folk’ during production, Vegas looks nothing like the manic city I have experienced every time I’ve had the chance to visit.

Why go to the expense of using Vegas as your backdrop if you’re going to make it sterile and still? You might as well fake the whole thing at the Food Network studios here in New York City.

The show’s producers must have heard me. They just announced this week’s survivors are coming to Manhattan for the remainder of the season.

I sometimes envy bloggers who have gone the ‘photo a day’ route…especially when I’m tired and finding it difficult to string words together into a pithy theme.

But then I look at the really good ones.

Let’s face it — even if I grabbed my phone (because I’d be using my cell instead of an expensive camera) — I wouldn’t do the subject justice compared to some of the talented folks posting pics online every day.

One of my favs is a former student. You may not be able to see her photos on Facebook unless you’re lucky enough to be her friend, but she has a great eye and sense of humor.